Parish youth ministry revealed event

Youth

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Welcome!

The Diocese of Grand Rapids supports and strengthens those who evangelize and accompany young people as they encounter and follow Jesus Christ as missionary disciples.

The Office for Youth and Young Adult Ministries does this by:

  • Forming, equipping, and supporting parish, school, and organizational leaders in their ministry with young people and their families,
  • Modeling and fostering a ministry of accompaniment among young people of all cultures, languages, socioeconomic and geographic realities,
  • Partnering with parents to support families of young people as they witness to Jesus Christ in their daily lives.
Teens link arms during Feed My Faith with Fr. Leo Patalinghug

Youth Ministries in the Diocese of Grand Rapids

Parishes, Catholic schools, and other organizations in our diocese have regular and ongoing programs for young people to meet together and grow in faith. Learn more by contacting your a parish or school near you.

DYMO Camp is a week-long Catholic camp experience for high school students. Held in June every year at Camp Pinewood in Twin Lakes, Michigan, DYMO Camp offers young people the opportunity to explore and grow in their Catholic faith in the great Michigan outdoors. A typical day at camp includes Mass, small group experience, workshops, as well as canoeing, swimming and hiking. To register, visit the link above.
 
Scouting is youth ministry. The Grand Rapids Catholic Committee on Scouting works to bring Catholic children and youth involved in Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, American Heritage Girls, and Camp Fire a better understanding of their religion, a closer relationship with God, and information about vocations. The religious recognition programs are also available to children and young people not involved in scouting but who would like to learn more about their Catholic faith through fun activities that explore the lives of saints, prayer, the sacraments, and vocations. The Grand Rapids Catholic Committee Scouting supports and promotes the work of the National Catholic Committee on Scouting and the National Catholic Committee for Girls Scouts and Camp Fire.
 
Each year, parishes and schools in our diocese host a team of young adults from NET Ministries to share their faith through music, skits, conversation, and community building. To find out more, contact the youth ministry office.
 
CRS Education: Going Global with Youth is a gateway to activities, prayers, stories, web links and opportunities that look at global issues through the lens of Catholic social teaching.

 

Resources for Youth Ministry Leaders

The Diocese of Grand Rapids formally recognizes all those involved in ministry with young people who participate in initial and ongoing training and formation by awarding certification. Certification helps to advance youth ministry efforts in our diocese, enhance the skills and knowledge of staff and volunteers, and build credibility and confidence of pastors, families, and parishioners in youth ministry efforts.

The diocesan office recognizes most training opportunities and formation programs that provide spiritual formation, theological education, and the skills and knowledge for effective ministry with young people and their families.

 

Highlighted training and formation programs:

Aquinas College – Certificate in Theology and Youth Ministry Course Series

University of Dayton Virtual Learning Community – Youth Ministry Certificate

Life Teen and Franciscan University – Youth Ministry Certification

 

The Diocese of Grand Rapids is committed to protecting children and adults from harm. Our safe environment program aims to prevent sexual abuse within our community and to help heal the wounds of past victims. In compliance with the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops' (USCCB) Charter for the Protection of Children & Young People, the Diocese of Grand Rapids has established policies and procedures for all adults involved in youth ministry in an effort to maintain safety for all children and young people.

The Ministry Management Portfolio is a document library of the policies, forms, and resources to assist parish youth ministry leaders in maintaining a safe environment. This site is for account users only and is password protected. Please contact DJ Florian to request access.

Become an associate member today. Associate membership is open to individuals serving in various ministerial roles relevant to young Catholics. As a professional organization, the National Federation for Catholic Youth Ministry (NFCYM) supports and strengthens those who accompany young people as they encounter and follow Jesus Christ. This includes diocesan directors, directors and staff of youth-serving organizations, and parish coordinators of youth ministry.
 

 

Contact Us

Youth Ministries in the Diocese of Grand Rapids

 

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SHINE RALLY
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MARCH FOR LIFE
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                GOING GLOBAL:                  CATHOLIC RELIEF SERVICES

DYMO CAMP

NET RETREATS

NCYC